Myths, Legends and Tales of Old Monterey in Monterey & Carmel
Monterey & Carmel, United States

Myths, Legends and Tales of Old Monterey

Outty Ranking 75 4.8 · 45 traveler reviews2.3 hoursFrom $35

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

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Age 12 and under

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From, per person$35
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Outty Ranking

75/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 45 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Myths, Legends and Tales of Old Monterey worth booking?

Myths, Legends and Tales of Old Monterey is a 2.3-hour experience in Monterey & Carmel, United States, from $35 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 45 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
75 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (45)
Duration
2.3 hours
From
$35 per person

Discover the Real Monterey! Visit historic sites and adobes and hear fascinating tales of the people and events of Old Mexican California's Capitol. Skip the tourist spots and explore what most visitors miss – the hidde

What you get

    About this experience

    Discover the Real Monterey! Visit historic sites and adobes and hear fascinating tales of the people and events of Old Mexican California's Capitol. Skip the tourist spots and explore what most visitors miss – the hidden heart of Old Monterey. Wander through peaceful garden courtyards, peek into historic adobes and see Monterey’s "Plymouth Rock." Stand on the spot where the State of California was born and thrill to the rousing tale of “Sloat's Landing” – when one bold action changed the fate of an entire country. The best way to really get to know Monterey? Up close an on foot, with the Original Monterey Walking Tours.

    What's included

    Included

    • An engaging, personable and knowledgeable guide

    Not included

    • gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Monterey State Historic Park

      We will see and visit many historic buildings and sites, including some State Park properties.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Colton Hall Museum

      Visit California's "Constitution Hall".

      15 minutes here

    3. The best tours of historic Monterey are up close and on foot with the Original Monterey Walking Tours. Visit historic buildings and sites on a highly rated experience that's interesting, informative and fun for all ages.

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Monterey & Carmel

    At the statue of Portola , in front of the Portola Hotel, in Portola Plaza.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    At the Monterey Custom House, near the head of Fisherman's Wharf.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    The Original Monterey Walking Tours

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Colton Hall with the Original Monterey Walking ToursSan Carlos ChurchAt Colton HallLarkin House with the Original Monterey Walking ToursMyths, Legends and Tales of Old Monterey in Monterey & Carmel, photo 6Myths, Legends and Tales of Old Monterey in Monterey & Carmel, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 45 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    9 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    2 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Small groups

    2 mentions

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Traveler reviews

    45 verified traveler reviews for Myths, Legends and Tales of Old Monterey. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    42
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    ElanLannieJ · July 2026

    Walking tour

    Informative and interesting and a nice walk

    Response from the operator: Thanks for joining us.

    via Tripadvisor

    TeclaG_12 · January 2026

    Great historical tour of how Monterey developed over time from discovery to today

    Tom was personable and very informative. It turned out I was the only one who booked the 2:00 tour today, so I had a private tour. Tom brought his friendly, adorable dog, Baxter, who was well-behaved and fun to have along. I used my rolling walker so I could sit while he explained how the events unfolded, bringing Monterey and California from Spanish to Mexican to American possession, and then to become a State. This is a great tour for history buffs and for 4th graders and up. Interesting how the politics, military, and different peoples interacted. Not the best for younger children--although Tom might have something up his sleeve for them as well.

    Response from the operator: Your wonderful review is greatly appreciated. The Bax and I greatly enjoyed showing you around.

    via Tripadvisor

    Tyler_C · January 2026

    Highly recommend

    Thom made history fun! He is a wealth of knowledge and loves California history and you will too after his walk. Loved his beagle, Baxter!

    Response from the operator: Thanks for joining us. Baxter had fun too.

    via Viator

    Susan_F · January 2026

    The tour guide’s tour guide

    I learned SO much on this tour, and as a major history and architecture nerd, that means a LOT to me. Thom is the tour guide’s tour guide. His encyclopedic knowledge of Monterey’s storied past, combined with his unique storytelling ability, make for a fun and engaging afternoon. Please take this tour!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for joining us - happy we met your expectations.

    via Viator

    heidek2026 · January 2026

    Informative. Entertaining. Wonderful!

    Tom shares his love of Monterey’s history, architecture and its people in an informative and entertaining manner for a very reasonable price. We’ve been passing by historic buildings in Monterey for many years while on vacation. Little did we know the significance of this part of the world. Tom weaves the tale Monterey’s location and history so well, that the time flew by. Our tour group was a small group of 6 people, two families of three. We enjoyed the other family and the questions they asked. Touring with people we didn’t know added a richness to our experience and Tom included us all. Cheers to you Tom!

    Response from the operator: Thanks for finding and joining us. Glad we could make an enjoyable experience .

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    2.3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    16
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 75

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)81
    Review evidence (18% weight)56
    Booking momentum (14% weight)49
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)81
    Local standing (8% weight)68
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Myths, Legends and Tales of Old Monterey: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Monterey & Carmel.

    How much does Myths, Legends and Tales of Old Monterey cost?

    +

    Prices start at $35 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Monterey & Carmel usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Myths, Legends and Tales of Old Monterey take?

    +

    Plan for about 2.3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Monterey & Carmel is not rushed.

    Is Myths, Legends and Tales of Old Monterey worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 45 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Monterey & Carmel, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Myths, Legends and Tales of Old Monterey?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Myths, Legends and Tales of Old Monterey suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Myths, Legends and Tales of Old Monterey?

    +

    Around 16 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Monterey & Carmel can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Monterey & Carmel and add a light layer if any part of the 2.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Myths, Legends and Tales of Old Monterey start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Monterey & Carmel within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Monterey & Carmel?

    +

    Monterey Bay is one of the best whale watching stretches in the world, alongside kayak tours over the kelp forest, 17-Mile Drive and Big Sur coastal runs, and Carmel wine walks. Boat size and naturalist quality decide the whale trips, and we score them accordingly. On Outty we rank every Monterey & Carmel experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Monterey's 17 Mile Drive Guided Electric Bike Tour, 3 hr, Whale Watching Tour From Monterey, Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Monterey & Carmel?

    +

    April to November for whales and calm seas. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Monterey & Carmel?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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